America's Weakening Position as Global Superpower
Abstract
The United States served as the World's preeminent leader from the end of World War II throughout the dawn of the 21st century. American military and economic might arguably passed by none in civilization. Upon the fall of the Soviet Union in 1989, the United States enjoyed unchallenged reign of strategic objectives and financial markets throughout the world. However, growing evidence indicates that an infrequent and major global power shift is in the making. Power shifts are rarely peaceful and one only has to look to World War II to study the last one. The imperialistic Germany and Japan failed to adjust to the changing geopolitical landscape resulting devastation in large parts of the world. Their peoples and countries laid destroyed and in ruin begging for mercy. Today, like the US in its early years, it is the populous states of Asia that desire to playa greater political and economic role. Many witness the East's road to greater power however; it appears that the US is ill prepared for it. Unresolved flash points around the globe appear ripe for miscalculation and explosion into large-scale warfare and economic chaos making Iraq a simple policing action. In times of major power struggles, the states with the deadliest Armies strike with success but often place last in the end. The states having the energy resources and economic foundations to continue their struggle often succeed. It also is essential in having the general belief by the global community that your actions are in self-defense or morally justified. Does the US still have the resources and economic foundation to continue any large-scale conflict most likely during this global shift? Is US foreign policy still the bedrock of morality and good will that many of the global states once thought but no longer? This paper sets out to discuss and answer these two previous questions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2005
- Accession Number
- AD1137517
Entities
People
- Dan Mcgraw
- Kenneth Aldrich
- Robin Nagele
- Vince Cohran
Organizations
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy